A contusion showing a pale centre with a surrounding haematoma ring (target or bull's-eye appearance) is termed:

• A Patterned bruise from a circular weapon
• B Tramline bruise from impact by a cylindrical rod ✓
• C Paradoxical bruise due to gravitational tracking of blood
• D Contusion produced by tyre or rope with central pallor from maximal compression

Explanation

A tramline (rail-track or double-streak) bruise consists of two parallel elongated bruised lines with a pale central zone — this pattern results from impact by a cylindrical object such as a rod, pipe, or stick. The mechanism is that at the point of maximum compression directly under the cylinder, blood is forcibly displaced laterally to both margins, producing haemorrhage at the edges (the 'tramlines') with a pale anaemic central zone. This pattern is pathognomonic of a cylindrical rod and is important in distinguishing weapon type in assault cases.

Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.